Latvian chef, Japanese bartender team up for grub and cocktails at ‘The White House’

Aleksandrs Nasikailovs and Kei Sawada at The White House Bangkok. Photo: The White House Bangkok / Courtesy
Aleksandrs Nasikailovs and Kei Sawada at The White House Bangkok. Photo: The White House Bangkok / Courtesy

After the short-lived Baltic Blunos did not survive the pandemic, its Latvian chef Aleksandrs Nasikailovs has embarked on a new journey where his 15-year culinary experience is matched with his homeland’s culinary traditions – with some creative spins. 

And he’s not alone. The White House Bangkok is also a labor of love by affable Japanese bartender Kei Sawada, formerly of Salon Du Japonisant. 

Taking over a two-story house not far from Asoke that once belonged to northeastern eatery Balee Laos, the restaurant that opened in January is everything from cafe and bakery to fine-dining restaurant and cocktail bar. Forget the wine-pairing option when you’re there, because this spot knows better which adventurous spirits to pick to complement the meals.

The White House Bangkok in February, 2022. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Steered by Aleksandrs, the kitchen takes Baltic recipes to a new level with a flair of European haute cuisine. Inspired by the “root of nature” he discovered in his travels, the laconic chef comes up with a 10-course tasting menu (THB4,000) using high-quality ingredients from here and abroad. 

The meals are best paired with cocktails (additional THB1,500) crafted by Sawada, who claims he can make almost anything into boozy potions with help of a high-end rotary evaporator. 

It’s an unlikely duo, but each is doing what they do best. Diners are ensured to leave the place starstruck. 

Aleksandrs Nasikailovs makes chocolate bonbons. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Sit down and expect exquisitely crafted plates to arrive before your eyes. The 10-course meal kicks off with delectable Bites comprised of catfish roe charcoal tartlet, beetroot cracker with salmon mousse and roe, blue crab donuts, and slow-cooked pork rillettes. The four bites are paired with a welcome drink called Midnight Cruise, a gin-based drink that balances aromatic lavender and elderflower with yuzu.

Beetroot cracker with salmon mousse and roe. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

A recent hosted visit began with its most stunningly artful presentation served in a thin, opaque crystal ball, the Tia Marra. After a staff torches parts of the globe, it unveils a French oyster resting on crispy seaweed. It’s paired with Sudachi Fizz, a Japanese-style cocktail that brightens moods with uplifting citruses. 

Tia Marra. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

Freshly caught in the Andaman Sea, Mackerel from Satun province is grilled and arrives alongside smoked mackerel mousse and salmon roe. The particularly pungent aroma needs a bold drink to match, and that’s where Wasabi Sour comes in with its real burning spicy kick and slightly sweet aftertaste.

Grilled Mackerel paired with Wasabi Sour cocktail. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

The most stellar dish however was the umami-rich Duck Liver Tortellini with black trumpet mushroom, pickled grape, and birch ant syrup. It cannot be had without the other half – a clear-colored glass of funky, savory Blue Cheese, Mango Moscato.

Duck Liver Tortellini, at left, and Blue Cheese, Mango Moscato, at right. Photos: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

The course ended with Dowry Chest – a wooden box with carved symbols of Latvian deities – carrying Aleksandrs’s handmade chocolate bonbons made of dark chocolate from Chiang Mai. Diners can choose from nearly 20 choices of flavors ranging from honey, goat cheese, and passionfruit to chili, sake, and tom kha coconut curry. 

Dowry Chest. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

The White House Bangkok is located on Soi Sukhumvit 16. It’s open 10am to 6:30pm on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday; and from 10am to 11pm onThursday, Friday, and Saturday. It’s closed Monday. 

Blue crab donuts. Photo: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok
Reconstructed Red Wine, at left, and Matcha Old Fashioned, at right. Photos: Chayanit Itthipongmaetee / Coconuts Bangkok

FIND IT:

The White House Bangkok
199/8, Soi Sukhumvit 16, Khlong Toei
10am-6:30pm (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday); 10am-11pm (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday)
097-6949898



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